The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
China Tells CA: We'll Build Your Trains
A number of foreign countries and firms are jockeying to build high-speed rail in California, but the Chinese government is proposing that they cover some of the financing as well.
Cramming Three Decades of Transit Improvements into One
Despite a less-than-stellar reputation of public transit, Los Angeles has plans to expand its system of light rail and BRT over the next 30 years. But now momentum is growing to fast-track that work into the next 10 years.
What Can Taxi Data Tell Us About NYC Streets?
New York City has GPS data from tens of thousands of taxis and is beginning to mine that information to improve its streets. We talked to some transportation experts for their ideas on how to use it.
DOT Rethinks Selection Process for Funding
When Charlotte's new light rail line opened, it vastly exceeded anticipated ridership figures. As the city plans an extension of the system, the federal government is revising how it distributes funding to avoid making the same mistake again.
Portland Demoted to America's Second Most Bike-Friendly City
The city of Portland is in a state of shock after being de-throned as America's most bike-friendly city.
Haiti Needs Old Urbanism, Not New
Plans for rebuilding Haiti have a strikingly New Urbanist tinge. But some say Haiti's economic situation isn't ready for a New Urbanist approach.
Climate Measure Would Raise Gas Tax But Not Fund Transportation
A new senate climate measure is proposing to raise the gas tax, a move many in the transportation field have been suggesting for years. But the measure is meeting criticism for not directing the increased revenue towards transportation projects.
FEATURE
State Seeks 1.5 Million Missing People in 2010 Census
How many people live in California? The current count could be off by 1.5 million people, and a lot is riding on the results of the 2010 Census. Josh Stephens talks to planners and state leaders about the flaws in the Census and how they'll shape state policy.
Interstate Toll Denial Underscores Systemic Problems
The federal government recently rejected a proposal by the state of Pennsylvania to toll Interstate 80. Robert Puentes argues that the decision is exactly what's holding metropolitan areas back from solving their transportation problems.
Does Land Conservation Drive Housing Costs?
A new study in the San Francisco Bay Area says no, that had there been no controls in place there would be only 6.5% more housing built over the past 50 years.
Mass Transit Wins Big in St. Louis County
A half-cent sales tax increase to fund transit passed handily yesterday in St. Louis County, Missouri.
Improving Cities By Degrees
Carol Coletta explains how improving education, lowering VMT and alleviating poverty by as little as 1% each could mean billions of dollars for cities.
Natural Gas vs. Black History
Which is more important? A family farm settled by free African-Americans 200 years ago has a grant for historic preservation, but lies over a vast reserve of natural gas.
Extreme Commuting Still Commonplace
There are more extreme commuters (a minimum of 1.5 hrs round trip) than ever, with a 95% increase since 1990, says Michael Graham Richard at Treehugger.
LaHood Defends Administration's Pro-Bike & Walk Agenda
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood explains the new emphasis on 'livable and sustainable communities', and walking and biking, calling it a 'game changer' in this short but informative Q & A with the New York Times in its Green Inc. blog.
Wind Goes From Curse to Boon for Struggling Texas Town
Roscoe, Texas is a rural town that was declining by degrees for decades, with a fierce wind that made crops difficult. A local started a wind farm business and the town is turning around, turning its curse into a blessing.
The Future of the Urban Biking Experience
<em>Treehugger</em> lists five of the coming innovations that experts expect to revolutionize urban bicycling.
Should Amtrak Get its Hands on High Speed Rail?
<em>The Infrastructurist</em>'s Melissa Lafsky is a guest on Fox Business News to discuss what role, if any, Amtrak will play in the U/S/ high speed rail network.
Farming Settles into the City
The idea of urban farming has gone from fringe to functional, with backyards plots and small infill operations teeming across North America. Lloyd Alter takes a look at the trend.
Want Your TOD To Work? Add Parking
A panel of experts at a ULI Los Angeles came together to talk best practices for transit-oriented development. Their recommendations include better security, improved connectivity, and yes, more parking.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
